Taking time to reflect and do the deep work of inner change is more than just a retreat; it also advances positive change in the world. We offer a rich array of contemplative “retreats that advance” with leaders from diverse wisdom traditions, contemporary disciplines, and change fields.

Retreats that Advance

Going inward to do personal transformational work energizes people, enabling them to go outward, deepen their engagement with the world, and advance transformational social change. Our rich array of contemplative retreats is curated with this idea in mind, featuring world-class teachers and leaders from diverse wisdom traditions, contemporary disciplines, and change fields. See Calendar

Sanctuary

Envisioned as a “monastery for the 21^st Century,”  the Institute offers a modern-day sanctuary: a welcoming, safe, sacred (and secular) space for everyone from every walk of life to discover and practice the power of contemplation.

In fact, “contemplation” comes from the Latin contemplio, which literally means to survey the land for a temple site or sacred space.  Metaphorically speaking, contemplation surveys the inner landscape for sacred space within, going inward to find quiet, calm, and focus.  It helps the mind enter a more integrated state, a kind of wakeful rest, in which studies show “aha” moments and breakthrough insights often occur.  The Garrison Institute exists to facilitate this experience for everyone.

We have hosted over a thousand retreats for diverse participants and communities of practice, featuring world-class teachers from many wisdom traditions. They range from Tibetan Buddhist masters (His Holiness the Dalai Lama was a three-time visitor) to Indigenous wisdom keepers, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim contemplatives, innovative teachers of contemporary practices, and cutting-edge scientists and thought-leaders. Our contemplative retreats for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community established the Institute as an early leader in diversity and inclusion.

Being Here

Housed in a former Capuchin monastery, situated on a bucolic 95-acre estate of woods and hills overlooking the Hudson River, the Garrison Institute offers idyllic, restorative retreat experiences with spectacular spaces, modern amenities, sustainable practices, great local food, and comfortable accommodations for 165 guests. Learn more